Aim To Achieve Leaf Integrity

Apart from aiming to achieve chemical integrityof the leaf (i.e. reduction in pesticide residues, correct concentrations of nicotine, minimizing tobacco-specific nitrosamines, etc.), it is also important to achieve physical integrity of the leaf.

Physical integrity is achieved by delivering a product that is free from non-tobacco related material (NTRM) such as grasses, feathers, plastic, string etc.

It is important to control weeds proliferation until the end of the harvest as doing this assures greater productivity, better quality as well as reduces foreign material.

Farmers should not use plastic materials in packing or storing tobacco as these contaminate the tobacco leaf. Organic materials are better preferred.

In addition, any materials used on the farm that could cause an unpleasant odour in the tobacco must be stored away from all tobacco handling areas.